UHC future in limbo after budget session fails

Now that the special budget session is over, the future of University Hospital and Clinics is in a state of flux after lawmakers failed to generate funds to close the state's budget gap.

Despite rumors that Lafayette General Health would return control of UHC to the state, LHG president David Callecod says no decision about UHC's future has been made.

"The lack of a deal is concerning because the funding for UHC is zero," Callecod told KATC Monday night. "We will have to see how the regular session goes. We will have to do what's in the best interest of Lafayette General."

Callecod says he's awaiting to see what plans Governor John Bel Edwards and lawmakers propose before the June 30 budget deadline. He adds that he hopes lawmakers and the governor can reach a compromise to get a budget bill passed.

"It's up to the legislature to find the money," Callecod said. "I hope they realize that the most vulnerable population is dependent on these state dollars."